There are many components that may be a part of an alternate system which may require a bit more maintenance than a good ol’ fashioned system.Choosing the right home inspector can be difficult. Grinder Tank- when waste flows through the grinder pump tank, it is ground to a fine slurry and pumped to the central sewer system or septic tank. Pump tanks may contain floats and/or electronic components to keep the pump flowing. Pump Tank- systems with disposal areas higher than the septic tank may require a pump to pump the effluent to the disposal area. Other methods are usually required to treat the gray water.Įvaporation-transpiration (ET) Bed- ET beds provide an area for effluent from the tank to evaporate into the air rather than into the soil.Ĭonstructed Wetlands- wetlands may use open ponds or underground constructed beds to treat effluent that has been processed by an aerobic or filtration system. Composting toilets can produce treated waste that may be used as fertilizer. UV Light Treatment- much like a chlorinating system, UV light is used to disinfect the effluent before it is discharged to the surface or to subsurface.Ĭomposting- composting toilets may be used when the water supply is limited or water conservation is imperative or desired. ATUs use oxygen to treat the effluent with aerobic bacteria before it is discharged into the disposal area.Ĭhlorinating- uses chemicals, such as liquid bleach or chlorine tablets, to disinfect the effluent before it is discharged to the surface or to subsurface. After effluent passes through the Eljen pads, the treated effluent is then absorbed by the soil.Īerobic Treatment System (ATU)- considered 'mini-wastewater treatment plants' for home use. Effluent flows through the perforated pipe which distribute the effluent over Modules (pads) which consist of geotextile fabric, sand and soil. Alternative systems are considered any onsite wastewater disposal method other than a conventional septic tank and leach field.Įljen Pads- one of the most common types of alternate disposal areas in Prescott. Leach lines or a leach bed, even chambers, are all considered 'conventional' disposal areas. There are many homeowners in the Prescott area who live in rocky areas, or say, their property drops off the side of a hill and cannot accommodate a traditional disposal area.

'What do you mean my soil won't PERC?!' It's OK! Don't worry! There are options for septic users that have less than ideal soil for a conventional system.

Inspectopedia leach field